KUCHING: Despite the ever shifting global economy, the state’s economy saw an increase in revenue by 4.7 per cent in 2017 compared to 2.3 per cent in 2016.
This was unveiled by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud during the first meeting of the Third Session of the Eighteenth State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at the DUN building in Petra Jaya yesterday.
“The state’s gross revenue saw a net increase from RM44 billion in 2016 to RM46 billion in 2017 while its export value saw an increase of RM19 billion from 2016 to 2017. The poor rate has also decreased from 0.9 per cent in 2014 to 0.6 per cent in 2016. The state’s rate of unemployment is also maintained at a low level which is below 4.0 per cent,” Taib stated.
He added that the state’s economy was also supported by the government’s efficient administrative and financial management.
“This is proven by recognitions from various international credit agencies such as Moody’s Investor’s Service. I am happy because investors’ confidence increases with our credit achievements,” the Head of State said.
Taib also touched on the Socio-Economic Transformation Plan (SETP), Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) as well as the Digital Economy.
“I am confident that with the implementation of these holistic development plans, society’s socio-economic status will improve, thus encouraging foreign investments in the state. In turn, this will provide more jobs and business opportunities,” he pointed out.
In his speech, Taib also praised the government’s plan to encourage Digital Economy in all development aspects.
“As changes in technology are rapid, we cannot afford to be left behind. The youth have also proven themselves to be creative and innovative and able to keep up with the demands of the digital era,” he added.
The Head of State also said that the establishment of Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SEDC) would ensure that the Digital Economy initiative would be successfully implemented in the state, expressing his confidence in the state’s future.
